St. Vincent – Digital WitnessI wondered why nobody knew about this, but everybody did, so if you didn’t know, you do now. It’s lovely and odd. Took us to the Roundhouse for the day: Marine Ices, Ray Man musical instrument shop, Masala Zone, Regent’s Park Road and 100 Chalk Farm Road (where the wonderful Pelican West was recorded). Fantastic day.

Chet Baker – There Will Never Be Another You
Until this year, I actually thought Chet Baker was a black trumpet player.

Ryan Adams – Gimme Something Good
What a song.

Music Go Music – Nite After Nite
“Show me your energy” Such a funny lyric. Love it. This is a classic yet to happen. It only has 7000 plays on YouTube – outrageous. Is this not a supersonic chorus from a big hit record?

Stephen Steinbrink – Now You See EverythingPerfect summer record and nice chap by the look of it.

Jenny Lewis – She’s Not MeFelt like I was hearing a record introduced by Casey Kasem. Roller-rink lovely!

Ben Watt – ForgetHad the tickets for Ben’s London gig for months, but still hadn’t heard the new album. Went to see him at Village Underground in November and heard the whole thing. Bought the album the next day. Brilliant.

The Pioneers – Let Your Yeah Be YeahFirst heard this in Brixton Market when it came out. This year I couldn’t stop playing it. The bass line’s everything I aspire to when I play. The recording’s magnificent.

11. AC/DC – Back In BlackI was at the gym this Christmas and the only way to drown out the awful music was to download AC/DC’s new album. Glad I did. ‘Play Ball’ is brilliant. For the same reasons I love early Quo, it’s simple clothing, simple delivery and as basic as blokes. And really, when it comes down to it I’m a guitarist first and foremost – blown away by Angus Young, Pete Townsend, Tony Peluso, Wilko Johnson, David Byrne, Brian May, Ronnie Montrose, Rory Gallagher, Frank Zappa, Mick Ronson, Jeff (Skunk) Baxter, Jeff Beck, Andy Partridge, Joe Strummer, Chris Spedding, James Stevenson, Nile Rodgers, Paul Weller, Ernie Isley, Billy Jenkins, Johnny Thunders, Clive Langer, Ian Broudie, Glenn Tilbrook, Rick Parfitt, Dave Hill, Francis Rossi, Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, James Honeyman-Scott, Marc Bolan, Brian May and Peter Frampton. I think I might write a list. ha! It all began with my brother, Pete…